Key Takeaways
• Nearly 300 visas applied by Iranians, Israelis, and Palestinians to New Zealand since June 1, 2025.
• INZ approved 93 Iranian, 24 Israeli, and 2 Palestinian visa applications by early July 2025.
• New Zealand’s 2025 policy reforms ease skilled work visa access and allow remote work on visitor visas.
As of July 7, 2025, New Zealand 🇳🇿 has seen a sharp rise in visa applications from people in Israel 🇮🇱, Iran 🇮🇷, and the Palestinian territories. This increase comes after a new wave of conflict in the Middle East, especially following Israel’s air attacks on Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, 2025. The attacks led to casualties among Iranian military leaders and have made many people in the region feel unsafe, pushing them to look for safer places to live, work, or reunite with family.
Who is applying, and why now?
Since June 1, 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received nearly 300 offshore visa applications from these three groups. The breakdown is as follows:
- Iranian nationals: 277 applications
- Israeli nationals: 41 applications
- Palestinian nationals: 6 applications
This surge reflects the urgent need for safety, stability, and new opportunities as the conflict continues to affect daily life in the region. Many applicants hope to join family members, find work, or simply escape the dangers of war.
Visa Application Outcomes: Approvals, Declines, and Processing
INZ has already processed a portion of these applications, with many more still under review. Here’s how the numbers look so far:
- Iranians: 93 approved, 7 declined, the rest are either still being assessed or have been withdrawn.
- Israelis: 24 approved, 1 declined, the rest are in process.
- Palestinians: 2 approved, the rest are under assessment.
These numbers show that New Zealand 🇳🇿 is moving quickly to help those in need, especially people affected by the conflict. The government is also making sure that applications from all three groups are treated fairly and without discrimination.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Seeking Safety
This is not the first time New Zealand 🇳🇿 has seen a rise in visa applications from these countries. Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, thousands of Israelis and Palestinians have applied for visas. Between October 7, 2023, and early 2025, INZ received:
- Over 1,000 applications from Israeli nationals
- Over 300 applications from Palestinian nationals
Hundreds of these applications have been approved, and many people have already arrived in New Zealand 🇳🇿. This pattern shows that when conflict breaks out, people look for safe countries like New Zealand 🇳🇿 to start over.
Visa Waiver and the NZeTA: What Israelis Need to Know
Israel 🇮🇱 is a visa waiver country for New Zealand 🇳🇿. This means that Israeli visitors do not need a traditional visitor visa to enter the country. Instead, they must apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling. The NZeTA is a simple online form that checks a traveler’s background and allows them to visit New Zealand 🇳🇿 for up to three months at a time.
Since October 2023, more than 8,600 NZeTA applications have been approved for Israeli nationals. This makes it easier for Israelis to visit family, seek safety, or explore work and study options in New Zealand 🇳🇿. For more information or to apply, travelers can visit the official NZeTA page.
Government Response: Sympathy and Prioritization
Immigration New Zealand has made it clear that it understands the difficult situations faced by people from Israel 🇮🇱, Iran 🇮🇷, and the Palestinian territories. The agency has stated that it is prioritizing visa applications from those affected by the conflict. This means that people in urgent need—such as those fleeing violence or hoping to reunite with family—may have their applications processed faster.
Marcelle Foley, Acting Director Visa at INZ, shared detailed statistics and reassured the public that all visa categories are open to applicants from these countries. There is no policy of discrimination against any group. Both Palestinians and Israelis can apply for any visa category they qualify for, and their applications will be considered fairly.
Recent Immigration Policy Changes: What’s New in 2025?
New Zealand 🇳🇿 has made several important changes to its immigration policies in 2025. These changes could make it easier for people from conflict zones to come to New Zealand 🇳🇿, especially if they have skills or family connections.
Visitor Visas Now Allow Remote Work
As of January 27, 2025, people holding visitor visas can work remotely while in New Zealand 🇳🇿. This means that someone who works for a company in another country can continue their job online while staying in New Zealand 🇳🇿. This change gives more flexibility to people who need a safe place to live but want to keep their jobs abroad.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Reforms
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a popular way for skilled workers to come to New Zealand 🇳🇿. In 2025, the government made several changes to this program:
- No more wage thresholds: Applicants no longer need to meet a minimum wage to qualify for the AEWV or the Specific Purpose Work Visa.
- Less work experience required: The required work experience has been reduced from three years to two years for many roles.
- Longer visa durations: Some roles now allow for a three-year visa, giving workers more stability.
- New seasonal worker pathways: Starting in November 2025, there will be new ways for seasonal workers to come to New Zealand 🇳🇿.
These reforms are designed to make it easier for skilled migrants to find jobs and for employers to fill important roles. They also help people from conflict-affected regions who may need to move quickly and start working soon after arrival.
Practical Implications: What Does This Mean for Applicants?
For people from Israel 🇮🇱, Iran 🇮🇷, and the Palestinian territories, these changes and the government’s focus on urgent cases can make a big difference. Here’s how:
- Faster processing: If you are affected by the conflict, your application may be reviewed more quickly.
- Easier access to work visas: With lower experience requirements and no wage thresholds, skilled workers have a better chance of qualifying.
- Remote work options: Visitor visas now allow you to keep your job abroad while staying in New Zealand 🇳🇿.
- Family reunification: The government is prioritizing applications from people who want to join family members already in New Zealand 🇳🇿.
If you are applying from a conflict zone, it’s important to provide as much information as possible about your situation. This can help INZ process your application faster and understand your needs.
Expert Views: A Balanced and Humanitarian Approach
Immigration experts say that New Zealand’s 🇳🇿 response is balanced and humanitarian. The country is trying to help people in need while still keeping its immigration system organized and fair. By reporting application numbers and outcomes openly, the government shows that it is serious about being transparent and fair.
Advocacy groups, such as the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa, have also weighed in. Some have called for visa restrictions on Israeli soldiers, showing that there are ongoing debates in New Zealand 🇳🇿 about how to handle immigration during times of conflict. However, the government’s current policy is to treat all applicants equally, regardless of nationality.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these steps reflect a commitment to both humanitarian values and orderly immigration management, even as political debates continue.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Applicants and Policy?
Immigration New Zealand 🇳🇿 will keep a close eye on the situation in the Middle East. If the conflict gets worse or changes, the government may adjust its visa processing priorities again. The full rollout of the AEWV reforms by November 2025, including new seasonal worker pathways, is expected to make it even easier for skilled and temporary workers to come to New Zealand 🇳🇿.
As long as tensions remain high in Israel 🇮🇱, Iran 🇮🇷, and the Palestinian territories, it’s likely that New Zealand 🇳🇿 will continue to receive high numbers of visa applications from these regions. The government will need to keep dedicating resources to process these applications quickly and fairly.
Official Resources and How to Apply
If you are thinking about applying for a visa to New Zealand 🇳🇿, it’s important to use official sources for information and forms. The Immigration New Zealand website is the best place to start. Here, you can:
- Find out which visa is right for you
- Apply online for most visa types
- Check the status of your application
- Get up-to-date information about policy changes
If you need to apply for the NZeTA, you can do so directly on the official NZeTA page.
For work visas, including the AEWV, you can find the latest forms and requirements on the Accredited Employer Work Visa page.
If you are from a conflict zone, be sure to include detailed information about your situation. This can help INZ prioritize your application and understand any special needs you may have.
Summary Table: Visa Applications from Israelis, Palestinians, and Iranians (June 1 – July 6, 2025)
| Nationality | Applications | Approved | Declined | Under Assessment/Withdrawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iranian | 277 | 93 | 7 | Remaining |
| Israeli | 41 | 24 | 1 | Remaining |
| Palestinian | 6 | 2 | 0 | Remaining |
Key Takeaways for Applicants and Stakeholders
- New Zealand 🇳🇿 is prioritizing visa applications from people affected by the conflict in Israel 🇮🇱, Iran 🇮🇷, and the Palestinian territories.
- Recent policy changes make it easier for skilled workers and remote employees to come to New Zealand 🇳🇿.
- Transparency and fairness are central to the government’s approach, with no discrimination against any group.
- Official resources are available for all applicants, and using them can help speed up the process.
- Ongoing conflict means that visa application numbers may remain high, and the government will continue to adapt its policies as needed.
For anyone considering a move to New Zealand 🇳🇿 during these uncertain times, staying informed and using official channels is the best way to ensure a smooth application process. Whether you are seeking safety, family reunification, or new work opportunities, New Zealand 🇳🇿 continues to offer pathways for those in need.
For more details and to start your application, visit the Immigration New Zealand official website.
This detailed overview provides the latest information as of July 7, 2025, on New Zealand’s 🇳🇿 visa application trends and policies for Israeli, Palestinian, and Iranian nationals during ongoing conflict. The country’s approach highlights both compassion and careful management, offering hope and practical options for those seeking a new start.
Learn Today
INZ → Immigration New Zealand, the government agency managing visa applications and immigration policies.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) → A visa allowing skilled workers to work for accredited employers in New Zealand with updated 2025 reforms.
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) → An online travel authorization for visa-waiver visitors, including Israelis, valid for three-month stays.
Visa waiver country → A nation whose citizens can enter New Zealand without a traditional visitor visa but need NZeTA approval.
Remote work → The ability to work online for an overseas employer while physically present in New Zealand on a visitor visa.
This Article in a Nutshell
New Zealand has seen a surge in visa applications from conflict regions Israel, Iran, and Palestine due to safety concerns. Government reforms in 2025 facilitate faster processing and remote work. This humanitarian response prioritizes urgent cases amid ongoing Middle East instability.
— By VisaVerge.com
